‘Qatar’s Isolation ‘Could Last Years’: UAE Minister

Rabat – United Arab Emirates’ Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargach has told Reuters that Gulf countries’ cut ties with Qatar could last a long time.

Gargach claimed that “Qatar is not under embargo,” but added that “its isolation by its neighbors could last years.”

The UAE minister revealed that list of charges against Qatar will be completed in the next coming days.

In early June, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain broke off relations with Qatar for alleged links with terrorism and plots to undermine the security of its Gulf neighbors.

The three countries, along with Egypt, announced they were closing land, sea and air access to Qatar, while its nationals were ordered to leave these countries. Qatar totally rejected the claims and expressed regret over the decision which it said was based on “unfounded” claims.

While several Arab, African, and Muslim countries have sided with Saudi Arabia, other allies of Gulf countries such as Morocco and Turkey opted for neutrality.

Turkey’s position, being a regional power, has been unfavorably seen by Qatar’s opponent. Gargach claimed that Ankara is trying to balance between its ideological positioning and its interests.

The UAE minister added that Turkey’s interest resides in adopting a position in line with the measures taken by Qatar’s opponents. However, Ankara sees the matter definitely. Earlier this month Turkish President Tayyip Recip Erdogan denounced the isolation of Qatar calling it “against Islamic values.”

Erdogan described the sanctions as a “death penalty,” rejecting the allegations addressed against Qatar. “Qatar has shown the most decisive stance against the terrorist organization Islamic State alongside Turkey,” he said.

The sudden cutting of ties has put a strain on Qatari citizens. Prior to the crisis, Qatar imported 80 percent of its food needs from other Gulf countries.

The imposed embargo prompted Morocco and Turkey to send food supply to Qatar. Morocco, which enjoys good relations with Qatar as well as the other Gulf countries, stated that its decision came in line with the spirit of Islamic values especially during the holy month of Ramadan.

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